orthodontist

Passion, perseverance and performance

How dentists can help a talented team compete and succeed

Main picture: Laura, Sophie and Jen at tour of the Reservoir. Sophie Wright was the overall winner!

Ian Hutchinson is well known in dentistry as a passionate and innovative orthodontist, keen to help dentists make good decisions about treating patients, and choosing and using the best orthodontic approaches, methods and systems for each patient. Each year up to 400 dentists attend his weekend seminars under the Wired Orthodontics, and Assure banners.

But one of Ian’s first passions was racing his bike, and if he had delayed or swayed from dentistry, he might have had an entirely different career.

Now, more than 30 years on from a decision to go to University, rather than to Europe to race, Ian is once again indulging his passion for time on his bike, and he has also committed to supporting one team of up and coming young cyclists.

Torelli Brother Assure (Torelli) are a relatively new team on the European circuit. The brainchild of ex-European Pro cyclist, Tony Orrell, Torelli was set up to become a serious player in the ‘next big thing’ in cycling – women’s cycle racing. And to boot, Torelli’s mission became to help develop young talent – giving young women who may not take the usual route to success a chance. With some sponsorship and a huge amount of determination Torelli’s results in its first seasons are impressive. The team have raced against amateur and pro teams and cyclists, racking up wins, and reputation, with some of the riders going on to accept professional contracts at the end of the first year.

One of this year’s new recruits is a multiple Junior Scottish Champion and pro – hopeful, Georgia Mansfield, whom Ian had sponsored in her journey from determined schoolgirl to Torelli’s notice. En route from supporting this young Scottish cyclist, Ian has discovered that Torelli is this year desperately short of funds, and he is determined to help.

Ian is now organising further clinical, business and personal development evening, day and weekend courses for dentists and managers, where the proceeds are given to Torelli to help them fund travel, racing and equipment for the talented team of 16 women, racing all over the UK, and in Europe. And to help more immediately, Ian has been recording some online lectures for which he will ask a modest fee – payable to the team – in order to view. Ian is also hoping that the dental industry will help with sponsorship, and that other experts will be persuaded to record further online episodes. This is all to give a number of talented youngsters their first chance to turn their passion into the performance of their lives.

Ian’s first online lecture – ‘The Art of Self Defence’ – on consent in orthodontics is now available. Simply donate £40 or more on https://www.gofundme.com/essential-ortho-and-business-topics to be sent the code to view.

https://www.facebook.com/tony.orrell.7

New BOS survey reveals a rise in the number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment in the UK

New figures released by The British Orthodontic Society (BOS) to coincide with National Smile Month, which kicked-off yesterday (14 May), has revealed the number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment in the UK continues to rise.

This survey, conducted in March 2018 among BOS members, was designed to gather new data about orthodontics and patient choices in the UK compared to two years ago.

Asked if they were seeing an increase in private adult treatment, 80 per cent said yes. This figure compares to 75 per cent in 2016. When asked what kind of braces they provide to their patients, orthodontists revealed a cross section of approaches:

  • Over 75 per cent supply fixed braces with clear aesthetic brackets
  • Over 35 per cent supply lingual braces (fixed behind the teeth)
  • Over 75 per cent supply clear aligners

The survey showed that adult patients are most likely to be female and in the 26 to 40 age bracket. However, the number of men seeking treatment appears to be on the rise. 19 per cent of the respondents to the survey estimate that half of their adult patients are male. This compares to 13 per cent in 2016.

The most popular system, provided by more than 98 per cent of orthodontists, is fixed braces on the front of the teeth, often referred to as ‘train tracks’. This figure reflects the high number of young people treated as NHS patients for whom fixed braces is the most appropriate option.

A quarter of BOS members responded to the survey. Of those who answered the survey, 27 per cent see only NHS patients while 67 per cent see both private and NHS patients.

Richard George, BOS Director of External Relations, commented: “It’s gratifying to see the number of adults interested in orthodontic treatment continuing to rise. If you are interested in treatment for yourself, it’s important to seek an opinion from a professional who has the training and skill to diagnose and treat a variety of orthodontic issues. Our members, specialists and dentists with a special interest, offer a range of options for adults, enabling them to provide a solution to any kind of orthodontic problem. The value of choice cannot be over-estimated.”